CPSL to hold 75th annual convention in Matara today

Almost, all the socialist policies that benefited people were initiated by us. Our leaders like S.a.wickramasinha and M.g.mendis sacrificed their entire political life for the success of the CPSL. Many benefits are enjoyed today as a result of our struggle

The 75th annual convention of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL) will be held at 3.00 pm today (8) at the Uyanwatta Grounds in Matara.

Around 3,000 Communist party cadres from Sri Lanka and overseas are expected to participate in the ceremony, General Secretary of the CPSL, former Minister DEW Gunasekara said.

Minister Gunasekara, speaking on the eve of the anniversary at the party office, pointed out that the Communism had been practised

in Sri Lanka for centuries and all rebellions against foreigners who invaded the country had been mooted based on the concept of Communism.

The best example is the ‘Uva-wellassa Rebellion’ two hundred years ago in the month of November. The month is significant to the Communist movement worldwide because many revolutions influenced by Communism took place in November, he said.

The CPSL is the second oldest party in Sri Lanka after the LSSP, but the contribution of the CPSL and its forefathers to gain independence from the British, introducing people friendly policies, establishment of the EPF, taking over of ports, estates and various businesses from foreigners have been a blessing to the people of this country.

“Almost, all the socialist policies that benefited people were initiated by us. Our leaders like S.a.wickramasinha and M.g.mendis sacrificed their entire political life for the success of the CPSL. Many benefits are enjoyed today as a result of our struggle,” Mr. Gunasekara stressed.

Mr. Gunasekara pointed out that the current political, social and economic crisis was a result of the country’s rulers distancing from socialist ideals. The neo-liberal policies and working programmes that copied the capitalist theory have devastated the national economy, social fabric and politics in the country with no hope for the future.

The 75th anniversary would try to show Sri Lankans a way out of this mess and it is up to those in power to look at our policies and act accordingly, he stressed.